After taking series of insults from the Boko Haram insurgents who have for years ambushed and massacred officers of the Nigerian army over the years, the Nigerian Army has retaliated with the killing of 105 insurgents in one swoop. The army at the weekend (Saturday April 18) to be precise confronted at Buni Gari the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). With the attack, the Nigerian army issued “one-way ticket to eternal life’ to the terrorists.
This cheery new may not be unconnected with the fact that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai recently relocated to the north-east where the war on terrorism is hot to motivate the soldiers that have been complaining of lack of motivation and support from the military top brass. The General was seen celebrating Easter with the Nigerian troupe that are on the front-line. He was seen dishing food to junior officers, which is a rare gesture the army especially the rank-and-file appreciated so much.
Col. Sagir Musa, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations in a release that was issued to the media on Sunday said following the aggressive follow up/exploitation operation carried out by troops of Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole, “it is now confirmed that a total of 105 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were neutralized during the Buni Gari encounter.”
Col. Musa said: “This was disclosed by the Commander Sector 2 OPLD Brig. Gen. Lawrence Araba while briefing the Chief of Army Staff and his entourage on Sunday. Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.Tukur Buratai, applauded the troops for their gallantry and resilience that led to the killing of the 105 terrorists at Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on Saturday April 18, 2020.
“He (COAS) gave the commendation when he visited the injured troops at the Field Ambulance Logistics Base 3 Damaturu and Special Forces’ School in Buni Yadi on Sunday. The visit was sequel to the successes recorded by the troops in neutralising 105 Boko Haram and ISWAP criminals that attempted to infiltrate/attack Buni Gari Village in Yobe State on the 18th of April 2020.”
The success of the operation, Brig. Gen. Araba informed was as a result of intelligence report, which revealed plan by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to attack the village. The commander said, “Based on intelligence received about the plan by the terrorists to attack Buni Gari, our troops swiftly intercepted and engaged the criminals in fierce battle that led to the killing of 105 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists as well as the capture of several arms and ammunition from the criminals.
“Initial situation report reported that 10 terrorists were neutralized. However, following exploitation by our troops, a total of 105 Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals are confirmed to have met their waterloo as a result of the encounter and some of the pictures are here for you to see sir.” He further disclosed that items captured from the terrorists include five AK-47 rifles, three GPMG, one Duska anti-aircraft gun, one PKT gun, two handheld radio, while one terrorists’ gun truck was destroyed.
